Becoming Like Jesus

in Micro-Community

A discipleship band
is a group of three to five
men or women who meet weekly
to engage in transformational
questions and pray for one another,
aiming to become the love
of God for each other
and the world.

Inspired by close-knit confessional Christian communities throughout history, and desperate for transformational change in our generation, we’ve developed Bands, an simple method for deep, relational discipleship.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

James 5:16 (NIV)

This is not a traditional small group or a typical accountability group. The primary curriculum is the lives of the bandmates, joined together in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Band Commitments

be consistent

Show up for meetings, and share within 15-20 minutes.

be considerate

Don’t interrupt, give advice, or try to fix problems.

be courageous

Share honestly, and as deeply as you are ready.

be compassionate

Show grace and affirm the forgiveness we have in Christ.

be confidential

What’s shared here, stays here—always.

meeting guide

opening prayer

One person opens…

Wake up sleeper and rise from the dead!

(others respond) And Christ will shine on you!

Father, we pray you would strengthen us with power through your Spirit in our inner being, so Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And we pray that we, being rooted and established in love, may have power—together with all the saints—to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is thelove of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE FIVE QUESTIONS

Each person takes 15–20 minutes to share around the prompts below.

1

how is it with your soul?

2

what are your struggles and successes?

3

how might the Word and Spirit be speaking in your life?

4

do you have any sin to confess?

5

is there anything you desire to keep secret?

After each person shares, another member prays for them
in response to what they’ve shared.

closing prayer

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Banding resources

Mobile-friendly
Meeting Guide
(free download)

Click here

Discipleship Bands
Field Guide PDF
(free download)

Download

Discipleship Bands
Field Guide
(booklet)

Purchase

Meeting Guide
10-pack
(double-sided card)

Purchase

VideoS

Here are some short videos we produced to help explain the Bands concept and how to take part. Some details may have changed slightly as we’ve improved the model, but these should answer most questions you have.

an introduction

why we need bands

format of a band meeting

Q1: soul

Q2: struggles and successes

Q3: spirit and scripture

Q4: sin

Q5: secrets

who should I invite?

PERSONAL STORIES

“This kind of transparency and vulnerability is wildly countercultural, so this is a huge step, with the potential to deeply transform lives.”

Band Member

“We have seen God work in and through us, as we support and encourage one another through ministry and life and parenting—into greater life, joy, health, peace, and fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for encouraging us to form bands!”

Band Member

“We watch over one another in love.”

Band Member

Questions?

If you have any questions about Bands, or how to start a culture of banding in your context, please reach out via this form and we’ll be in touch.